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Flying can be an extremely stressful experience, especially if it’s your first time navigating an airport. While there are many variables that can affect your flight, there is also a lot you can do to make sure you arrive at your plane on time and intact.

Confirm your flight. The night before you are scheduled to fly, check to make sure that everything is proceeding as planned. After purchasing your ticket, you should have received a confirmation e-mail from your airline. Check that confirmation to make sure the flight is still scheduled to take off on time.[1]XResearch source

If your flight time has changed, make sure to adjust your travel plans accordingly. Depending on how long your flight has been delayed, it may affect any connecting flights you are intending to take. If you are concerned that you will miss your connection because of your flight delay, contact your airline.

Continue to check on the status of your flight leading up to your arrival at the airport. Some airlines will send texts letting you know about delays, but it’s important for you to continue to monitor the situation. Be especially vigilant during the winter or when bad weather is predicted, as this will oftentimes affect your flight.

Pack your documents. You will not be allowed on a plane without your ticket and identification. For travelers over 18, a driver’s license or passport may suffice. Travelers under the age of 18 who are traveling with an adult companion may not be required to show identification.[2]XTrustworthy SourceU.S. Transportation Security AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocolsGo to source

If you are under the age of 18 and traveling alone, contact the TSA or other appropriate authority to find out what forms of ID you will need.

If you are traveling internationally, you will not be allowed on the plane without a passport.

If you arrive at the airport without your ID, you may be able to fly anyway. You will have to fill out additional forms and answers some TSA questions in order to confirm your identity.[3]XTrustworthy SourceU.S. Transportation Security AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocolsGo to source

Keep your documents handy. You will need to show them when you check in as well as when you go through security, so don't pack them in a hard to reach area.

Arrive early. There are many variables at play when you’re checking in for a flight, so plan on arriving at the very least two hours early for your flight.[4]XResearch source If you are traveling internationally, traveling with small children or traveling with anyone with a disability, plan on arriving even earlier than that.

If you’re driving, leave extra time to park your car and take the shuttle over to your terminal, if required.

If you’re traveling from an airport for the first time, leave extra time in case you get lost while navigating the airport.

Find your airline. The first thing you’ll need to do when you arrive at the airport is to locate your airline. Airports are divided into terminals, and different airlines are housed in different terminals. There are also different terminals for arrivals and departures. You will need to go to the departure terminal for your airline. You can find out what terminal your airline is in by looking online, calling the airport or by asking one of the employees at the airport.

If you are taking mass transportation or having someone drop you off at the airport, make sure you let them know what airline you are flying so they drop you at the correct building.

Check your bags. Depending on what you’ve packed, you may need to check a bag or two. Most airlines will allow you one carry-on bag, in addition to one hand-held bag (like a laptop case or a purse.)[5]XResearch source If you are planning to check bags, go immediately to the counter for your designated airline.

If you are not checking a bag, skip this step and proceed straight to check in.

Travelers are allowed to check up to two bags, but there is a weight and size limit on those bags. Check with your airline to see what those weight restrictions are.

Be careful not to over-pack, as going over the weight limit for checked baggage may result in fees of over $75.00.[6]XResearch source

Print your boarding pass. In order to board your plane, you’ll need a boarding pass. If you’ve chosen to check your bags, give your airline attendant your identification and they’ll be able to print out your boarding pass for you. If you’re not checking your bags, you can still go to the attendant for help, or you can choose an easier and faster option.

Some airlines also offer kiosks for self-check in. To use these, all you’ll need is a credit card. Use the credit card to identify yourself and then follow the instructions on the kiosk to print out your boarding pass.[7]XResearch source

Some airlines also give you the option of checking in electronically. If this is the case, you will receive an e-mail 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to check in for your flight.

Print out a copy of your boarding pass to take with you to the airport. If you have a smartphone, you can open the boarding pass with your phone and use your phone as your boarding pass.

Take off your outerwear. In order to go through security successfully, you will need to remove your shoes, jacket and belt. If you are wearing any metallic jewelry or accessories, remove these as well, as these will also set off the metal detectors.[8]XResearch source

If you are over the age of 75 or under the age of 13 you will not be asked to remove your shoes also you shouldn't have to remove your shoes if your are TSA PRE CHECK.[9]XResearch source

Check your pockets! Take out keys or anything else made of metal that might set off the metal detector.

Try to remove your excess clothing while you are still waiting. The security line moves very quickly at the end and it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Avoid wearing sneakers with laces or any footwear that is difficult to remove in a hurry.

Once you have made it through security, clear the area and get dressed. Most airports have a designated bench or seating area so you aren’t clogging up the security line as you compose yourself.

Remove your laptop. If you are traveling with a laptop, take it out of your packed bag and place it on the conveyor belt to be scanned. Smaller electronic items, like phones, Kindles or small gaming systems will not have to be removed from your bag in order to be scanned. If you are part of TSA Pre-Check, you do not need to remove your laptop from your bag.[10]XTrustworthy SourceU.S. Transportation Security AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocolsGo to source

Make sure to check your pockets to ensure you have not accidentally left your cellphone or iPod inside.[11]XResearch source

Remove any liquids or gels. If you are planning to pack liquids or gels in your carry-on, they will need to be removed from your bag at security. All liquids traveling with you need to be less than 3 fluid ounces and you will only be able to carry 3. Hence, they call it the 3-3-3 rule. If you bring containers of liquids larger than 3 fluid ounces, they may be taken from you and confiscated by TSA.[12]XResearch source

Members of TSA Pre-Check do not need to remove liquids or gels from their bags.[13]XTrustworthy SourceU.S. Transportation Security AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocolsGo to source

If you have any open bottles (like a water bottle or soda) you will be asked at this point to throw them out. You will be able to buy additional drinks after going through security.

It is generally easiest to keep all your travel cosmetics in one gallon-sized Ziploc bag. That way, when you have to remove them for security, you don’t have to hunt down each individual bottle. Travel sized cosmetics can be purchased at most pharmacies.[14]XResearch source

Do not pack restricted items in your bag. It goes without saying that you will not be allowed to take anything dangerous on to the plane. But there are also non-dangerous items that you cannot pack in your carry-on. For the full list of items you can safely take on a plane, check the TSA website, as it is frequently updated.[15]XResearch source

Find your gate. Once you have successfully made it through security, it’s time to find your plane. Check your boarding pass to see which gate your plane is departing from. Double-check this information on the departure boards that are just outside every security checkpoint. Once you have confirmed your gate number, head over in that direction.

Make sure, before you leave the security area, that you have everything you need. You don’t want to accidentally leave a laptop or jacket behind.

If you’re having trouble locating your gate, ask an airport employee for assistance.

Stock up on food and drink. Many airlines no longer serve food on their flights. If you’re taking a long flight or traveling during a meal, buy some food and drink to take with you on the plane. Try to be considerate of your fellow travelers and don’t get anything too messy or smelly (like tuna or eggs.)

Take a seat. Once you’ve located your food and your gate, all that’s left to do is wait. If your flight is running late or is delayed for weather or technical difficulties, you may be waiting awhile. Pack something to help you pass the time and stay close to your gate area so you’ll be within earshot when it’s time to board.

It's a very user-friendly machine. All you need to do is to fill in all the needed information (airline confirmation/6-digit code, some information about you, info about your flight, and so on. If you need an assistance navigating the machine, don't hesitate to ask for help. There are usually some airline staff roaming that would be happy to serve you.

wikiHow Video: How to Check in at the Airport

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Tips

If you are traveling internationally, you will not have to go through Customs when leaving the United States. You will have to go through Customs when arriving in the country you're traveling to and again when arriving back in the United States.

About This Article

Co-Authored By:

wikiHow Staff Editor

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 15 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.

To check in at the airport, find the terminal for your airline and approach the check-in desk. Once you reach the desk, let the worker know if you will be checking any bags, and give the worker your identification so they can print your boarding pass. In some cases, you can use a kiosk to check in by entering the information on your ID. After you receive your boarding pass and check your bags, keep your boarding pass out and proceed to security. For more tips, including how to check in at the gate, scroll down!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 637,446 times.

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Jul 30, 2017

"I'm traveling on my own from Bristol to Chicago via Dublin and whilst I have flown many times, my husband has always sorted out how I actually get onto the plane. I have several concerns and whilst I will continue to be anxious until I am back in Bristol airport, this site has gone further than others in explaining. Thank you."..." more

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Aug 25, 2017

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Co-Authored By:

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Co-authors: 30

Updated: September 10, 2019

Views: 637,446

93% of readers found this article helpful.

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93% of people told us that this article helped them.

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Violetta Middleton

Mar 6

"Thank you, wikiHow! This page definitely helped a lot."

JP

Julia Powell

Jul 30, 2017

"I'm traveling on my own from Bristol to Chicago via Dublin and whilst I have flown many times, my husband has always sorted out how I actually get onto the plane. I have several concerns and whilst I will continue to be anxious until I am back in Bristol airport, this site has gone further than others in explaining. Thank you."..." more

PS

Percy Sumariwalla

Aug 25, 2017

"Was very helpful. I had forgotten some aspects of check-in at airports, since my last flight was several years ago. Helped me revise everything and make it feel fresh."..." more

SD

Stewart Doby

Oct 31, 2018

"The rules of catching an air flight were hard to understand at first, but seeing and reading the info really makes understand a lot more. Thanks!"..." more

DP

Dort Peterson

Mar 12, 2018

"It was very helpful in giving check-in process. We are elderly folks, and were unsure of the procedure. This explained it all in detail."..." more